Most every fisherman knows the rule: “Be quiet! You’ll scare the fish!” But at the Exchange Club of Sebastian Junior Blue Water Open last Saturday at Riverview Park, the kids were hollering and the fish were biting. Apparently, it’s more of a guideline.
This year, some 50 children, ages 9 to 12, from the Fellsmere, Sebastian and Vero Beach Boys and Girls Clubs, each given his or her own rod and reel, T-shirt and hat, were the excited participants. And they had a darn-near perfect day for it, with blue skies, a nice breeze and some very cooperative fish – possibly due to the strategic placement of chum bags, the exact location of which is a closely guarded secret, according to tournament chairman Rick Gteles.
Lunch was provided by Woody’s Bar-B-Que, drinks and ice by McDonald’s, and Harry Goode’s donated all the bait, hooks, sinkers and other fishing necessities. The Exchange Club provided the totally cool golden fish-topped trophies and goody bag prizes and the City of Sebastian provided the venue.
All along the dock, colorful mini-bait buckets lining the way, anglers cast their lines into the water with as-needed assistance provided by volunteers from the Exchange Club, Boys and Girls Club, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Sebastian Police Department.
“This is my third year,” said Alan Haushman with a smile as he helped youngsters with their catches.
Early on, Chris brought a nice 14-ounce river whiting to be officially weighed and logged in and Noah was psyched about his puffer fish.
“He’s making this funny sound,” said Daniel, as his croaker was plopped into a bucket of water for its ride back to freedom. He was reassured that it was normal behavior for the talkative croaker, as Estefan brought over another croaker, a nice 10.2-ouncer, on his line.
Jose had a “big one” on his line, but after a pole-bending battle, it got away. Nicholas, red hair flying and a fish wiggling at the end of his line, ran along the pier yelling, “I got one! I got my first fish!”
As Jodi reeled in a nice one she said happily, “This is my second! I caught a puffer first!”
Confidently casting her line over the railing, 9-year-old Shaneria said, “I caught two so far; first a catfish, then a pufferfish.”
“Can I check that bait for you?” Fish and Wildlife Commission Lt. Andy Zamonis asked Breanna, inspecting the shrimp remnants on her hook. Zamonis had earlier thrilled the kids, showing them a young alligator he brought from an alligator farm – its mouth carefully held shut.
New this year was a casting contest, organized by Exchangites Karen and (event co-chair) Steve McElveen, who have served on the tournament committee for 14 years.
“We do this as a give-back to the community,” said McElveen. The Exchange Club of Sebastian supports child abuse prevention efforts and other youth-oriented programs, funded in large part by their Annual Blue Water Open each spring, which raised $50,000 this year.
Although not an Exchange Club member, second-year volunteer Dorothy Conley said she loves the event, the dedication of the club, and especially the kids. “They just have a blast!”
Anyone who has seen the pure joy and excitement on the faces of the boys and girls as they proudly display their catches knows it is a sight to be treasured.
